Newcastle United player ratings as three players struggle but ex-Chelsea man impresses
Newcastle United were beaten 2-1 in the capital as defensive errors cost them dear at Stamford Bridge.
On a day of frustration for Eddie Howe, there was a lot to like at times against the Blues as the goal drought from open play was ended by Alexander Isak but defensively United struggled at key times.
With 18 minutes gone Pedro Neto skipped past Fabian Schar before rolling the ball across the penalty area for Nicolas Jackson to apply the finish and nudge the home side ahead. Harvey Barnes threaded a pass to Lewis Hall who crossed perfectly for Isak to poke home from close range to make it 1-1 and the teams went in level at the break.
The second half started in dreadful manner for Newcastle as Tino Livramento's pass to Isak was intercepted by Reece James, Romeo Lavia pinched the ball, Palmer was allowed to run unchallenged from just outside the centre circle to the edge of the box before lashing the ball past Pope.
And Newcastle could not conjure up a second equaliser as they sit slumped in the bottom half of the table.
Here's how the players rated at Stamford Bridge:
Nick Pope 7
Kept the scoreline respectable with some good saves in either half. Was left furious over his defence's inability to challenge Cole Palmer.
Tino Livramento 6
A mixed day in truth. Left United exposed with both goals despite playing part in the equaliser.
Fabian Schar 4
Left wanting for both goals.
Dan Burn 5
Went missing for first goal and struggled against Chelsea frontline.
Lewis Hall 8
Impressed on return to Stamford Bridge with an assist and good attacking show.
Joelinton 6
Battled hard but did not have all the answers.
Bruno Guimaraes 5
A poor attempt to track back for Cole Palmer strike blotted his copy book today.
Sandro Tonali 7
A creative force in midfield with some slick passes. Replaced by Longstaff for latter stages. Wrongly perhaps.
Miguel Almiron 4
A disappointing outing after being handed a big chance. Just 19 touches and caused Chelsea no real issues.
Harvey Barnes 6
Had a hand in the equaliser in the first half but did not threaten enough. Managed just a couple of crosses.
Alexander Isak 7
Back in the goals but what was he thinking when he danced into the box before losing possession? Howe was seething after failing to shoot or cross.
Subs
Sean Longstaff 6 (for Tonali 67)
Offered some midfield presence.
Jacob Murphy 4 (for Almiron 67)
Didn't bring much to the party.
Joe Willock 7 (for Barnes 67)
Must be close to a start now. A decent effort.
Lloyd Kelly (for Hall 89)
William Osula (for Joelinton 89)
*Subs must play 15 minutes to get a mark.